| The original name for Tekki is Naihanchi or Naifuanchi, | | | | the legs and hips become very strong and the ability to |
| which was originally taught to the Okinawan karateka | | | | strike at close range improves dramatically. |
| by a Chinese martial artist. Master Gichin funakoshi | | | | Many karateka rely solely on body weight. For |
| changed the name Naihanchi, to Tekki, but many | | | | instance, when stepping forward oizuki (stepping |
| karate groups still use Naihanchi. | | | | punch), if you are stepping forward with the right leg, it |
| Before the Heian/Pinan kata were developed, | | | | is the left leg the drives you forward form the half |
| Naihanchi/Tekki was the first kata taught, in many | | | | way position, try not to simply fall forward. Be sure to |
| karate dojo on Okinawa. | | | | try and use the whole body and legs to generate |
| There are three Tekki kata in the shotokan karate | | | | power with your karate techniques, especially when |
| system, Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan. | | | | practicing Tekki Shodan. |
| Tekki translates as 'Iron Horse', Shodan translates as | | | | The first move in the kata, is where you look to the |
| 'level 1', Nidan 'level 2' and Sandan 'level 3'. | | | | right and drop your weight down sharply, ankles |
| The majority of the karate techniques in Tekki Shodan | | | | crossed (left over right), just keeping the left foot off |
| are executeded in Kiba dachi (horse riding stance), and | | | | the floor. On the second move, you lift your right knee |
| they are small strikes and blocks, therefore, generating | | | | up to the centre, then push strongly into the floor with |
| speed and power, can be difficult. Karate moves such | | | | the left leg, this will drive you into the next move, which |
| as kage zuki (hook punch), mawashi enpi (round | | | | is haishu uke (back hand block), with the right arm, in |
| elbow) and gedanbarai (downward block), all involve | | | | kiba dachi. You then deliver a mawashi empi (round |
| short distance execution, from an awkward stance | | | | elbow), into the open right hand, with the left arm. As |
| (kiba dachi). | | | | with the second move, you once again drive from the |
| To be performed correctly, Tekki shodan requires | | | | left leg, there should be no visual appearance in the |
| strong legs and hips, as all the techniques in this karate | | | | legs, it should be done from within the leg, only the hips |
| kata are short and require power from the legs and | | | | should be seen to move, which should also be used |
| hips. With correct and continued Tekki Shodan training, | | | | strongly. |